Huawei has reclaimed the top spot in China’s smartphone market for the first time in over four years, surpassing both Apple and domestic rivals like Xiaomi, according to a new report from the United States-based International Data Corporation.
The Shenzhen-based tech giant captured 18.1% of China’s smartphone market in Q2 2024, shipping 12.5 million units, IDC data released Tuesday showed. This marks a significant rebound for Huawei, which has faced numerous challenges including U.S. export controls, Western bans, and a corruption investigation in Belgium.
China’s overall smartphone market declined 4 per cent year-on-year to 69 million units in Q2, ending six consecutive quarters of growth.
“Despite the recent US-China trade truce, the broader economic environment presents ongoing challenges, with consumer confidence remaining subdued,” said Arthur Guo, senior research analyst at IDC. “This suggests that a significant uplift in smartphone demand is unlikely in the immediate term, and the market will navigate a more complex landscape in the second half of the year.”
The comeback comes despite Huawei being at the center of U.S.-China tensions, with Washington alleging its equipment could be used for espionage – claims the company denies. Since 2019 sanctions limited Huawei’s access to U.S. technology, the company has been forced to develop its own components.
Apple fell to fifth place in the rankings with 13.9 per cent market share (9.6 million units shipped), continuing its sales slump in China after losing its position as the country’s top smartphone brand last year to local competitors.
The performance comes against a backdrop of China’s economy growing over 5 per cent in Q2 despite trade tensions sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. Huawei’s resurgence demonstrates its ability to adapt to geopolitical pressures while maintaining strong domestic demand for its products.
